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Stitching & Crafting Room:  Sock knitting  |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 09:49:04 AM
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I love to knit socks...really I do. I have knit dozens of pairs...all simple, ribbed or plain socks. I have always tried to get fun yarns to make THAT the fancy part of my socks..or super soft or special yarns.
That said...although I have knit socks for years I have never knit any fancy socks, or even socks with any pattern besides plain old ribbing. I just never took the time. I always totally admire people and their fancy hand knit socks and wanted to do it someday...but didn't get to it.
Last time we went up north (several weeks ago now) I got a book called Favorite Socks from Interweave press. I LOVE it...just looking at the beautiful socks makes me happy..but after spending the money for the book I figured finally I really should make at least one of those pairs of socks to justify spending the money on the book.
I started with some beautiful yarn I had in my stash (Trekking in an earthy browns and blues colorway) and started the mock wavy cable socks pattern. Oh my. I ripped it back and started over no less than 4 times. Seriously! After more than 6 inches one time!! Finally I decided that the problem was that (besides being low on sleep and high on distractions here) I needed a pattern when I could TELL when I had made a mistake. The wavieness of the pattern in this one was just hard to follow for my little brain. What made them so pretty was making me HATE these socks. Finally, I ripped it all out again...and started the Retro Rib socks. Love at first row!!! They are a pretty rib with twisted design and simple stitches and a fun look...not a plain rib by any means..much fancier, but not lacey or especially NOT wavey!! So I am loving my socks again...they aren't flying off my needles in a couple days but I will really (hopefully) appreciate this pair by the time they are done.
My next pair of socks will be plain and simple with self striping yarn. Yep.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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sjs
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Stephanie
Oakland
CA
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 09:55:38 AM
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I've never been able to knit a sock. Someday!
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Learning to live is learning to let go.
Visit my food blog! http://www.wasabimon.com - natural cooking to live for.
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9092 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9092 Posts |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 10:39:01 AM
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Jenny - my favorite pattern is one you mentioned in your blog I think. They are just everyday socks, but the pattern is really clear and you can switch yarn weights with it. I think they are called Cruise socks? It's a little pattern booklet. If that's where I heard about it - thanks! I"ve used it many many times.
Farmgirl Sister #98
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 11:14:47 AM
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I love to knit them and crochet them too
I have on a pink pair today
I had to go to the bladder therapy today
A nurse commented on how cute they were
The sock is knitted and I crocheted a shell edging on the top.
they are really warm
hugs sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com |
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mikesgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
3659 Posts
Sherri
Elma
WA
USA
3659 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 1:24:34 PM
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Can you crochet socks? Or do you just mean the edging?
Farmgirl Sister #98
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StasiaSpins
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Stasia
Augusta (Eau Claire)
WI
USA
78 Posts |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3317 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3317 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 3:48:41 PM
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I love to knit, but am sorely limited in my skill....do you have a beginners sock pattern?? I would love to knit my own socks
Thanks Jenny!! |
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dkelewae
True Blue Farmgirl
1310 Posts
Diana
Saint Peters
MO
USA
1310 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 3:56:37 PM
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I love knitting socks and have a huge drawer of them as proof ;) I do mine the old fashioned way on double pointed needles. Never did get the hang of doing the magic loop method.
Diana
Farmgirl Sister #272
St. Peters MO
Country Girl trapped in the city!
http://farmgirldreams.blogspot.com/ |
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knittingmom
True Blue Farmgirl
665 Posts
AnneMarie
Edmonton
Alberta
Canada
665 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 4:02:59 PM
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I love knitting socks and they are deceptively difficult when really there very, very easy to do. People look astounded when you say you hand made them. I found a pattern with tulips on the heels, can't wait to do them. :)
I've tried the magic loop method with wristers, but I ended up using two circular needle sets b/c I couldn't find the right length of circular, but I found two worked just fine.
"There is no foot so small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world" |
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BarefootGoatGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1495 Posts
Corrine
North Carolina
USA
1495 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 4:20:42 PM
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i want to learn the double loop method so badly! i have made one set of socks using dpns and loved the results, but the second one seemed to take so long...i got impatient.
What we write today slipped into our souls some other day when we were alone and doing nothing.
-Brenda Ueland
http://quilandneedle.blogspot.com/
http://musingandmuttering.blogspot.com |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 4:48:52 PM
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Yep,
Crochet socks are a bit easier I think
But, I learned crocheting first ; maybe that is why
I love to knit though
I think the knitting socks are softer
Being Diabetic.
I have to have soft things like that.
That may seem hard to do at first
but after your first sock you are hooked. Lol hugs sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com |
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StasiaSpins
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Stasia
Augusta (Eau Claire)
WI
USA
78 Posts |
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StasiaSpins
True Blue Farmgirl
78 Posts
Stasia
Augusta (Eau Claire)
WI
USA
78 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 5:26:58 PM
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BarefootGoatGirl, I know the Magic Loop method, and I know the two circulars method... I even know the two socks on two circulars at one time method! But I always go back to using DPNs - there's something just more "relaxed" about it for me... I love my Brittany birch DPNs and their subtle flexibility and warmth...
That being said, I just ordered some of the Kollage square DPNs and am anxious to give them a try! They are metal, but supposedly the square shape helps make them comfortable. They came today (free shipping from http://www.seaportyarn.com/ - no affiliation) and I'm going to give them a go tonight.
If I like them, I will do what I always to to avoid Second Sock Syndrome... buy a second set of DPNs in the same size, and make two socks together; it helps me to make them even, and I can do the "difficult part" (heels) at the same time so I remember what I'm doing! :)
If I didn't make the socks together, I would NEVER get to finishing the second one!
http://www.TuppinzFarm.com Heritage Sheep ~ Goats ~ Donkeys ~ Poultry
http://YarnAndABarn.blogspot.com Spinning ~ Knitting ~ Weaving ~ Quilting ~ Crocheting |
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GaiasRose
True Blue Farmgirl
2552 Posts
Tasha-Rose
St. Paul
Minnesota
2552 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 5:47:27 PM
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when you sign up at knittingdaily.com you get a pdf of free sock patterns!! you should check it out!
~*~Brightest Blessings~*~
Tasha-Rose
Farmgirl Sister #88
Blogs:
http://gaiarose.wordpress.com
Etsy:
http://ForestFaeries.etsy.com
"Joyful chaos, working in tune with the seasons, telling itme by the sun, variety, change and self-direction; all this wwas replaced with a brutal, standardized work culture, the effects of which we are still suffering from today." - Tom Hodgkinson in 'How To Be Idle' |
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Keeper of the Past
True Blue Farmgirl
925 Posts
Sarita
Battle Creek
Michigan
USA
925 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 6:25:57 PM
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I love to knit socks too. I too always go back to the 5 DP needles. I spin my wool from my sheep for some really warm wool socks. It is so much fun to dy the yarn. I have spun yarn that is smaller that will show the pattern but I go back to the worsted weight wool yarn.
I encourage people to bite the bullet and try to make a simple sock. I didn't for so many years, imtimidated I think, but it is so rewarding, great gifts. My family just waits for me to get finished with a pair to claim them.
www.coffmanspinningcfarm.blogspot.com
Contentment is the crown jewel of a happy life. |
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brightmeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
2045 Posts
Brenda
Lucas
Ohio
USA
2045 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 6:59:38 PM
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I love the book Patterns for the Travelling sock knitter - it has a lot of patterns that look almost like cables but are really "travelling stitch" they are easier than cables to do in the car when DH and I are on long trips.
I was watching a PBS show last weekend "Knit and Crochet Today" they did a show on knitted and crocheted socks, you can see segments of the show and download the patterns at http://www.knitandcrochettoday.com. Look for "free patterns" then Season 2, then the episode was "Colorful socks"
I never knew you could make a crochet stitch that looks like knitted ribbing until watching the show!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands - You shall be happy and it shall be well with you. -Psalm 128.2
Visit my blog at http://brightmeadowfarms.blogspot.com ,web site store at http://www.watkinsonline.com/fish or my homepage at http://home.earthlink.net/~brightmeadow |
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Aunt Jenny
True Blue Farmgirl
11381 Posts
Jenny
middle of
Utah
USA
11381 Posts |
Posted - Mar 26 2009 : 9:21:09 PM
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Yep..that Iowa crew/cruise socks is my favorite all time basic pattern. It is put out by cottage creations and I LOVE it. I have notes all over my booklet for different size yarns I have used. (it calls for worsted weight, but I have worked it out with sock yarn..which I love to work with too)
My suggestion for a very simple pair of socks for a beginner to start with is Family socks from the Home spun Hand Knit book. It is the first ones I did and is simple to do...no gusset or anything tricky at all. I do like the shaping better on the cruise socks and went to it after a few pairs of the family socks.
I only use double point needles (size 2 blonde wood ones are my favorites right now, and I have some size 5 rose wood ones that i love to use with a little bigger yarn) and have never tried the magic loop socks. Maybe someday..but maybe not. I tried toe up socks one time and I just got all confused..I think because it all just felt so backwards. I love the idea of toe up though...that way you don't have to worry about running out of yarn before you get to the toe...and can confidently make a longer cuff.
I love a crocheted edging on a turned over cuff. Crochet is so nice and lacey. I have never made crocheted socks though. I can crochet as well as I knit but tend to do either afghans or doilies when I crochet.
So fun to see that so many of you are interested in sock knitting.
I am loving how the retro rib socks are going..about 7" now and I didn't knit on them but about an hour this evening since I posted last.I was reading.
Jenny in Utah
Proud Farmgirl sister #24
Inside me there is a skinny woman crying to get out...but I can usually shut her up with cookies
http://www.auntjennysworld.blogspot.com/ visit my little online shop at www.auntjenny.etsy.com |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Mar 27 2009 : 11:56:50 PM
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Two of my favorite sock patterns are the Broadripple Sock--found at Knitty.com and The Ladder of Life Socks. You can find both patterns on the web for free. I have always knit mine on DPNs but a couple of months ago I tried 2 socks on 2 circulars at the same time. It took me awhile to get started but it's working great but I don't think I'll give up the DPNs.
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4179 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4179 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 04:35:40 AM
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I made a couple pair of top up socks. They were fun. But I am on my fifth pair of 2 at once, magic loop socks. My favorite. Youngest son will get them for Christmas this year. Providiing I get them done! I am like others here, if I had to do socks one at a time, that is what I would end up with 1 !! :)
Michele |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 12:26:39 PM
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Back when I could still knit I used Elizabeth Zimmerman's stocking pattern from her great book, Knitting Without Tears. If you are not familiar with her books, you are in for a treat. Maybe your library has some of her books. They are not just instruction books, they have her knitting theory included. She made the best pattern for pullover sweaters, where you do a few extra rows on the back and this allows room for shoulder blades and the sweater fits perfectly rather than having the back be a little pulled up. She was a wonderful writer, and her stories about knitting interwoven with her instructions are just wonderful. When i gave away all my knitting books, hers are the only ones I kept.
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Mar 28 2009 : 2:47:40 PM
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Doncha just love it when people are amazed by your hand knit socks???
I have 2 different pairs on the needles right now. First one and then the other, no dreaded second sock syndrome.Just make sure to note any changes you make because you won't remember when you go back to make the second one. I have been doing them on 2 circs and love it. It is so much faster than dps
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2009 : 10:10:11 AM
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| So....is everyone here so addicted to socks and sock yarn? I have 4...yes 4 baby sweaters to complete...so what do I do??? Yep... start a pair of socks. Did I need to get new yarn??? Nope. But I did. It just screamed spring and Easter eggs to me. So I take my knitting bag on vacation that has the yarn/needles/one partially finished sweater AND the yarn for 3 pairs of socks in it already...but what do I do??? Yep...buy new yarn. I'm hopeless. |
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Celticheart
True Blue Farmgirl
811 Posts
Marcia
WA
USA
811 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2009 : 2:11:35 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by StarMeadow
So....is everyone here so addicted to socks and sock yarn? I have 4...yes 4 baby sweaters to complete...so what do I do??? Yep... start a pair of socks. Did I need to get new yarn??? Nope. But I did. It just screamed spring and Easter eggs to me. So I take my knitting bag on vacation that has the yarn/needles/one partially finished sweater AND the yarn for 3 pairs of socks in it already...but what do I do??? Yep...buy new yarn. I'm hopeless.
Me. I'm terrible. I have at least 2 pairs of socks going right now, maybe more, who knows. I have so many sets of DP needles that I can't find them all and I'm always buying another set. Now I'm doing 2 socks on 2 circs at the same time. Let's not even talk about sock yarn. I love the stuff.
Have you heard about the Sock Summit this summer in Portland, OR??
I'm going. It could be overload.
It's not about being perfect, but enjoying what you do. Set aside time to be creative.
Robyn Pandolph
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bbteacher
True Blue Farmgirl
134 Posts
Bonnie
BALTIMORE
Maryland
USA
134 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2009 : 3:38:55 PM
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Hey fellow "snitters" (that's knit talk for sock knitters),
I too love to knit socks with DPNs and I knit a little on one set and a little on the other so, by the time I finish with one sock, the other sock is almost done. And for all you snitters in the East, May 1-3, at the Howard County Fairgrounds, in Maryland, is the Sheep and Wool festival. It's a blast and there is so much to see, do, buy, find out, experience, you get the picture. The admission is free. So many sheep, llamas, angora rabbits and sheep dogs. There are tons of demonstrations. People playing music, dancing, singing-performances of all kinds, all weekend long. You can bring food and drinks inside (to save on cost). I always go to the "Alabama" wool-man. He has the best deals on sock wool. You have to hit him early on Saturday. He's usually sold out by 3:00 p.m. of the three day show! If you need more info, just email the Maryland Sheep and Wool Festival.
Bonnie
Farmgirl Sister #333 |
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debaccuardi
Farmgirl in Training
28 Posts
Debby
Welches
Oregon
USA
28 Posts |
Posted - Apr 10 2009 : 6:38:59 PM
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Another addicted sock knitter here! There are enough free sock patterns of different skill levels to last a very long time. I love it. Of course I had to go and join a couple sock clubs and now I always have at least 3-4 socks on the needles. Great presents:)
I am lucky enough to live within an hour of Portland. I can't wait for Sock Summit!!
I do have to say that although there are so many creative and challenging patterns out there I will always love a "plain vanilla" sock--ribbed cuff knit in the round either toe up or cuff down.
Blogging here--http://debaccuardi.typepad.com
My podcast--http://debaccuardi.typepad.com/at_the_kitchen_table/
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Stitching & Crafting Room: Sock knitting |
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Sock knitting
